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The Rookies
Although he had mixed reviews out of training camp, Jace Amaro seems to be rounding a corner with his learning of the Jets system and is becoming a favorite target of Geno Smith. He had 4 catches for 37 yards and a touchdown this weekend against the Giants. Showing total class, he flashed Guns Up when he scored and later tweeted that he dedicated his first NFL touchdown to Ms. Jennie Bailey, the TTU football "mom" who has been battling cancer for the last year and a half.
NFL teams have made the first round of cuts to get their rosters down to 75, and the final cut to 53 has to happen by this Saturday. Here's how our other new guys are doing:
The Dallas Cowboys cut 13 players but opted to keep Dartwan Bush and Will Smith on the roster for now.
Kerry Hyder had a strong camp and preseason and survives the first cut at the NY Jets but faces stiff competition from a really deep defensive line to make the final roster.
The Veterans
The Denver Broncos are loaded with Red Raider talent, with offensive linemen Manny Ramirez and Louis Vasquez and slot receiver Wes Welker. The Broncos fell to the Texans 18-17, but more concerning to the Tech faithful is that Welker took a shot directly to the head and had to leave the game with a concussion. In case you missed it, you can see the hit in the video below. Unnecessary roughness was called on Swearinger.
This injury comes on the heels of two concussions at the end of last season, making this Welker's third in 10 months. Despite multiple concussions, the Broncos report that there is no talk of retirement for Welker at this time. So think a good thought for our guy Wes Welker and his recovery.
Michael Crabtree continues to be a favorite target in the 49ers offense, and they are doing serious work to try to negotiate a suitable contract extension for him before he becomes a free agent in 2015.
If Danny Amendola can stay healthy this year, he could have big numbers during his second year with the New England Patriots.
LaAdrian Waddle continues to do well for the Detroit Lions and looks to be the starting right tackle to begin the season.
Cody Davis has performed well for the St. Louis Rams and is listed in the 2-Deep at safety.
Keyunta Dawson is listed as the No. 2 outside linebacker for the New Orleans Saints and should be on their 53-man roster.
Unfortunately, OL Dylan Gandy was released from the Chicago Bears this week.
These are the Red Raiders that I know of who were vying for spots on current rosters. Let me know if I've left anyone off of our list.